Composer

:

Domenico Cimarosa

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1778

Il ritorno di Don Calandrino is an opera buffa in two acts composed by Domenico Cimarosa. The opera was composed in 1784 and premiered at the Teatro dei Fiorentini in Naples on January 26, 1786. The libretto was written by Giuseppe Palomba. The plot of the opera revolves around the character of Don Calandrino, a wealthy and foolish nobleman who has been absent from his hometown for many years. Upon his return, he is immediately taken advantage of by his scheming servant, Pasquale, who convinces him to marry his daughter, Lisetta, in order to gain access to his wealth. Don Calandrino is initially hesitant to marry Lisetta, as he is already engaged to another woman, Rosaura. However, Pasquale convinces him that Rosaura is not worthy of his love and that Lisetta is a much better match for him. As the plot unfolds, Don Calandrino becomes increasingly entangled in a web of deceit and manipulation, as Pasquale and Lisetta conspire to take his money and ruin his reputation. However, in the end, Don Calandrino manages to outsmart his scheming servant and emerge victorious. The music of Il ritorno di Don Calandrino is characterized by its light and playful tone, with lively melodies and witty lyrics that perfectly capture the comedic nature of the opera buffa genre. The opera is divided into two acts, each consisting of several musical numbers, including arias, duets, and ensemble pieces. Overall, Il ritorno di Don Calandrino is a delightful and entertaining opera that showcases Cimarosa's skill as a composer of comic opera. Its premiere in Naples was a great success, and the opera went on to be performed throughout Italy and Europe in the years that followed. Today, it remains a beloved work of the opera buffa repertoire.

More....